Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of spacer length and
linkages between the rigid mesogenic core and the terminal group on the
molecular interaction and physical properties of polymers, a series of novel
side chain liquid crystalline polymers were synthesized. These were composed
of liquid crystalline monomers with six or eleven methylene segments as
spacers, and chiral monomers end capped with menthyl or cholesteryl groups.
Liquid crystalline phases of the polymers were investigated using
differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy, and
confirmed with X-ray diffractometry. Color image recording of the
synthesized polymer films was achieved using a thermal treatment, and then
fixed by quenching. This investigation demonstrates that the introduction of
carbonate linking groups between the rigid mesogenic core and terminal group
decreases both the lateral molecular interaction and thermal stability of
the liquid crystalline polymers. The RGB reflection colors of the
cholesteric composite film could be tuned by varying the film temperature
and applying an external field. The results of this investigation present
significant scientific and practical contributions with respect to the
development of unique cholesteric polymer materials.
© 2008 IEEE
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